Analyst: PS5 disc backlash from 'vocal minority' of revenue
Alinea Analytics' Rhys Elliott says disc buyers are a small share of PS5 revenue, as Sony plans to end new disc production by January 2028.
Rhys Elliott, head of market analysis at Alinea Analytics, said the backlash to Sony ending new disc production for PlayStation consoles comes from a vocal minority of a revenue minority, according to gamesradar.com. Elliott argued that the disc-buying group remains small in sales terms even though it spends heavily on PlayStation.
Sony has said it will stop producing new discs for PlayStation consoles by January 2028, a plan that drew outcry and reactions from studios across the industry. Elliott's comments, reported by gamesradar.com, address how much of the PlayStation 5 market that group actually represents.
He pointed to physical copies accounting for just over 30% of PS5 sales for Resident Evil: Requiem and over 32% for Marvel's Wolverine. Pragmata and Onimusha: The Way of the Sword exceeded 40% physical sales on PS5, while 007: First Light, Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced and Crimson Desert were under 30%. Disc sales for FC 27, Madden 27 and MLB The Show 26 were all below 10% on PS5.
Elliott said disc production requires a costly pipeline that digital distribution avoids, giving Sony more control over its marketplace. He added that the disc-buying minority includes longtime fans and collectors who pre-order and keep spending on PlayStation.
He also criticized Sony's messaging around the change, saying the company's usual silence was not a strength in this case.
Quick answers
When will Sony stop producing new discs for PlayStation consoles?
Sony has said it will cease production of new discs for PlayStation consoles by January 2028.
How large is the physical share of PS5 sales?
It varies by game: just over 30% for Resident Evil: Requiem and over 32% for Marvel's Wolverine, above 40% for Pragmata and Onimusha: The Way of the Sword, and below 10% for FC 27, Madden 27 and MLB The Show 26.